The regional awards celebrate the achievements, development and dedication of apprentice jockeys, while acknowledging the trainers, mentors and industry supporters who contribute to their success.

The Northern Apprentice Awards, sponsored by Milan Park, were held in Cambridge on Monday 21 September and hosted by former All Black and international rugby player Lima Sopoaga.

Elen Nicholas claimed the evening’s premier honour, receiving the Colin Jillings Trophy as the Milan Park Premier Apprentice Jockey. She was also awarded the Paddy Murray Trophy for Best Presented at Scales.

Tom Wigram received the Toby Autridge Trophy as the Most Promising First Year Apprentice, while Hayley Hassman was presented with the Taiki Yanagida Trophy for Most Dedicated to Success.

Ashlee Strawbridge received the Ngakau Hailey Trophy as the Most Improved Apprentice Jockey.

Sam McNab won the Bill Simon Trophy for the Most Outstanding Ride by an Apprentice for his winning ride aboard Maldini at Ellerslie on 26 December 2025.

The Northern Awards followed the Central Districts Apprentice Awards on 3 September, where Amber Riddell was named Leading Apprentice. The award was sponsored by the Manawatu Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners’ Association Inc and Claridge Equine Education Ltd.

Toni Davies received the Hyland and Central Districts Trainers’ Association-sponsored award for Most Improved Apprentice award, while Crystal Lindsay was named Head Pupil.

At the Southern Apprentice Awards on 11 September, Donovan Cooper was named Top Apprentice Jockey. Floor Moerman received the Megan Taylor Most Promising Junior Rider Award, while Triston Moodley was presented with the Ashlee Mundy Jockeys’ Choice Award.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing CEO Matt Ballesty congratulated all of the award recipients.

“Our apprentice jockeys are the future of our riding ranks, and these awards recognise not only their results on the track, but also their professionalism, commitment and development,” Ballesty said.

“Each recipient should be extremely proud of what they have achieved. We also acknowledge their employers, tutors, mentors, sponsors and wider teams whose guidance and encouragement play such an important role in helping our apprentices succeed.

“It’s fantastic to see so many talented young riders recognised across the three regions, and we look forward to following their progress as they continue to build their careers.”

Northern Apprentice Award winners

• Colin Jillings Trophy, Milan Park Premier Apprentice Jockey: Elen Nicholas
• Taiki Yanagida Trophy, Most Dedicated to Success - sponsored by Lance & Bridgette O’Sullivan, Ted & Lynnda McLachlan, Pam Gerard & Tommy Hazlett: Hayley Hassman
• Bill Simon Trophy, Most Outstanding Ride by an Apprentice - sponsored by George & Maryanne Simon: Sam McNab, aboard Maldini at Ellerslie on 26 December
• Paddy Murray Trophy, Best Presented at Scales - sponsored by Rodney Saunders & Margaret Parle: Elen Nicholas
• Toby Autridge Trophy, Most Promising First Year Apprentice - sponsored by Stephen & Lynley Autridge: Tom Wigram
• Ngakau Hailey Trophy, Most Improved Apprentice Jockey - sponsored by Lee Somervell: Ashlee Strawbridge

Central Districts Apprentice Award winners

• Leading Apprentice - sponsored by Manawatu Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners’ Association Inc. & Claridge Equine Education Ltd: Amber Riddell
• Most Improved Apprentice - sponsored by Hyland & Central Districts Trainers’ Association: Toni Davies
• Head Pupil - sponsored by Hyland & Claridge Equine Education Ltd: Crystal Lindsay

Southern Apprentice Award winners

• Top Apprentice Jockey - sponsored by Canterbury/Westland Racing Owners’ Association (Inc) & Garrads Horse and Hound: Donovan Cooper
• Megan Taylor Most Promising Junior Rider: Floor Moerman
• Ashlee Mundy Jockeys’ Choice Award: Triston Moodley